Gloucester County Institute of Technology graduate wins top motorcycle award

Gloucester County Institiute of Technology 2011 graduate Ryan Kowalski, 17, earned a gold medal in the motorcycle competition, at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in Kansas City Staff Photo by Tim Hawk/Gloucester County Times

When Ryan Kowalski was 10 years old, his dad bought a motorcycle that changed his life.

From the moment he saw the bike, Kowalski knew he wanted to spend his life working on and riding them and — thanks to his time at Gloucester County Institute of Technology and participation in SkillsUSA — that dream is coming true.

“There’s nothing like the sound of a Harley (Davidson) or being on one. Everything you do with a bike is fun,” said Kowalski, 18, of Monroe Township. “Ever since my dad got his Harley, there was just this fire burning in me. And when I was in eighth grade, a guy came into my class to talk about GCIT. As soon as he mentioned motorcycles, I knew I had to come here.”

Once at GCIT, Kowalski studied motorcycle repair and maintenance in the school of transportation. He got involved in SkillsUSA — a partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals that holds annual state and regional competitions in various trade, technical and skilled service areas — during his junior year, earning third place in the state competition that same year.

“This year, he won gold at the state level so he went to the 47th Annual National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference this June,” said Dan Roskiewich, welding instructor and SkillsUSA advisor at GCIT. “The motorcycle competition was entirely put on by Harley Davidson, and Ryan took the gold medal in the event, representing GCIT and the state of New Jersey. Of more than 300,000 students involved in SkillsUSA, only two percent make it to nationals so to get there, let alone win gold, is an incredible feat. This young man had a dream of being a motorcycle mechanic and, through the uniqueness of his experience at GCIT, he’s making that dream come true. We’re so proud of him.”

Along with his SkillsUSA gold medal, Kowalski won more than $60,000 in scholarships as well as a Harley Davidson motorcycle for GCIT to use for training, a leather jacket, a $4,000 Snap-On Tools tool box, a Carhartt gift allowance for $750, a $50 gift card to Lowe’s and Kobalt tools.

“I thought they were joking when they called my name for first place. I didn’t comprehend it right away, but it was awesome,” said Kowalski. “It’s a great thing for my resume and future jobs. I actually got my job at Barb’s Harley-Davidson in Cherry Hill after my states medal. I don’t have one regret about coming to GCIT to work on motorcycles, and for the competition I put the skills I learned to work doing general service, repairs and engine work. Now, I’m excited to go on to Ohio Technical College for a year — I’m just a day away from leaving — and then to the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix.”

Ryan’s mom, Penny Kowalski, said she is amazed at everything GCIT and SkillsUSA have done for her son.

“Even though I can’t bear the thought of him leaving, it’s an amazing opportunity,” said Penny. “He has grown so much from being here and learned so much from Mr. Roskiewich and Gene Knorr. He’s become so well-rounded. I was watching the competition on a live internet feed and, when they called his name, I just screamed for 10 minutes, cried and then cried some more. It was so exciting and definitely the highlight of his senior year.”

Kowalski owns his own ‘77 Harley Sportster and got his license this spring.

“I literally have not been off the bike since then,” said Kowalski, with a laugh. He said he’s eager to expand his skills in the shop even further.

“I’m hoping to learn more than I know now about custom building and service,” said Kowalski. “Down the road, I want to open my own shop somewhere in the South. That’s my ultimate dream.”